If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, it’s really important to talk to someone about it. Please be aware we’re here to help you so you don’t have to face it alone.

If you feel unsafe in your home, we will listen to you and do everything we can to better your situation and keep you safe. 

Angus Housing Association takes domestic abuse extremely seriously and has implemented a dedicated Domestic-Abuse-Policy The Association has signed up to the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Make a Stand pledge, and this new policy is part of our commitment to take action to support tenants who are victims of domestic abuse. 

Our pledge 

Our  Domestic Abuse Policy is our promise to our tenants that we will take action to support those who are experiencing domestic abuse in their home. 

What is domestic abuse? 

The Association will use Scottish Governments definition of domestic abuse: 

“Domestic abuse (as gender-based abuse) can be perpetrated by partners or ex partners and can include physical abuse (assault and physical attack involving a range of behaviours), sexual abuse (acts which degrade and humiliate women and are perpetrated against their will, including rape) and mental and emotional abuse (such as threats, verbal abuse, racial abuse, withholding money and other types of controlling behaviour such as isolation from family and friends).” 

Anyone can experience domestic abuse, regardless of race, ethnic or religious groups, wealth, sexual orientation, age, disability or lifestyle. Domestic abuse may include: 

• Physical violence 

• Emotional/psychological abuse – put downs, verbal abuse and humiliation, blaming, isolation from family and friends 

• Sexual abuse – rape, unwanted sexual contact, forcing sex with others, making you watch/take part in pornography or engage in prostitution 

• Financial abuse – having to account for everything you spend, being kept without money, preventing you from getting/keeping a job 

• Harassment – being watched, being followed, being pestered, receiving unwanted phone calls or text messages   

• Controlling Behaviour – This includes a range of behaviour which makes a person reliant and/or dependant on another person by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacity for personal gain, depriving them of the means need for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour. 

• Coercive Behaviour – An act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim. This includes forced marriage and so-called ‘honour violence. 

The Association believes that it’s tenants and other householders should not live in fear, violence or abuse. The Association takes domestic abuse very seriously and is committed to providing a sensitive and confidential response to anyone approaching the Association for assistance in cases of domestic abuse. 

A home should provide safety and security, but for many people home is anything but safe. 

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, both women and men, and in all types of relationships – heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.